In these pages, the authors of the widely-acclaimed The Wellness Syndrome throw themselves headlong into the world of self-optimization, a burgeoning movement that seeks to transcend the limits placed on us by being merely human, whether the feebleness of our bodies or our mental incapacities.Cederstrm and Spicer, though willing guinea pigs in an extraordinary (and sometimes downright dangerous) range of techniques and technologies, had hitherto undertaken little by way of self-improvement. They had rarely seen the inside of a gym, let alone utilized apps that deliver electric shocks in pursuit of improved concentration. But, in the course of a year spent researching this book, they wore head-bands designed to optimize meditation, attempted to boost their memory through learning associative techniques (and failed to be admitted to MENSA), trained for weightlifting competitions, wrote what they (still) hope might become a bestselling Scandinavian detective story, enrolled in motivational seminars and tantra sex workshops, attended new-age retreats and man-camps, underwent plastic surgery, and experimented with vibrators and productivity drugs. Andr even addressed a London subway car whilst (nearly) naked in an attempt to boost attention.Somewhat surprisingly, the two young professors survived this year of rigorous research. Further, they have drawn deeply on it to produce a hilarious and eye-opening book. Written in the form of two parallel diaries, Desperately Seeking Self-Improvement provides a biting analysis of the narcissism and individual competitiveness that increasingly pervades a culture in which social solutions are receding and individual self-improvement is the only option left. Photo Eva Dahlin Carl Cederstrm is Associate Professor at Stockholm Business School, Stockholm University and the co-author or co-editor of five books. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian, The Atlantic and Harvard Business Review. Andr Spicer is Professor at Cass Business School, City University London and the co-author or co-editor of five books. His writing has appeared in The Guardian, Financial Times, Times, Independent and CNN. Andr, January 24 (The month of January was devoted to improving productivity)It was 9am and I was walking up the familiar staircase for my final day of the Landmark forum. Coach B. turned to look at us: “If you really want to change your life, you need to recruit.”On Tuesday we were going to have our “graduation,” and we had been asked to bring along friends and family and encourage them to sign up.”Now let’s handle this marketing thing,” Coach B. said. “It’s just about sharing something important with the people you love. Its not sales.””But what if they think its a cult,” a skeptic in the audience asked.”Well, they are the ones who need it the most,” Coach B. responded.”But what if they say no,” someone else asked.”Tuesday’s graduation is an opportunity to move forward and share your transformation. It’s not about marketing,” Coach B. said firmly.Having dealt with the “marketing thing,” Coach B. turned to the audience once again. People immediately started to volunteer their stories.”I was a stripper and hid it from my family,” a young woman yelled out.”My parents don’t know I’m gay,” a middle-aged man admitted.The tragic stories piled up. Coach B. turned to the last member of the audience who had shared their story. “You’ve wasted your life on meaningless kaka,” he said firmly. “You go around trying to convince other people of your story just so you can feel right. And it’s screwing up your life.”